Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyers
Proven Results. Relentless Advocacy.
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, we fight to recover the compensation you deserve. You focus on healing. We handle the rest.
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, we fight to recover the compensation you deserve. You focus on healing. We handle the rest.
Personal injury cases require experience, strategy, and persistence. Our attorneys represent clients in serious injury claims, handling everything from investigation to negotiation and, when necessary, litigation.
Have questions about your case? Let our team take a look. We’ll help you understand your rights and what to expect, so you can make informed decisions.
(719) 578-1106
Losing a loved one is overwhelming. Medical bills, funeral costs, and insurance paperwork add even more stress. At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs wrongful death attorneys guide families through the claims process and fight for the full compensation the law allows. Consultations are free, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.
A wrongful death attorney pursues compensation when a person’s negligent or wrongful act causes a death. We investigate what happened, prove fault, calculate losses, negotiate with insurers, and take cases to trial when needed. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your family.
Wrongful death occurs when negligence or a wrongful act leads to fatal injuries. The surviving family can bring a civil claim for financial recovery, which may include both economic and non economic damages. In some cases, a related survival action may also be filed to recover damages the deceased would have claimed if they had lived.
Motor vehicle crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians
Dangerous property conditions and slip and fall incidents
Defective or dangerous products
Workplace and construction accidents
Drowning, boating, and aviation incidents
Criminal or reckless conduct and overdoses related to negligence
If you suspect negligence played a role in your loved one’s death, our Colorado Springs wrongful death attorneys can evaluate your claim at no cost.
Successful cases show four elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. We gather police reports, medical records, photos and video, witness statements, expert opinions, and any available maintenance or product records to prove each element clearly.
You may have a valid claim if a person or company’s negligence caused a fatal injury and your family suffered losses. Wrongful death cases are civil actions focused on monetary recovery. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff, which is why working with an experienced wrongful death attorney is important.
First year after death: the spouse, or the heirs with the spouse’s consent, or the designated beneficiary
Second year after death: the spouse, heirs, designated beneficiary, or parents if there is no spouse, heirs, or beneficiary
Beginning in 2025, siblings may bring a claim in the second year following the death
Your wrongful death attorney will confirm eligibility based on your family’s situation.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is generally two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline usually ends the right to recover. Contact a wrongful death attorney as early as possible so we can preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Wrongful death damages often include:
Economic losses such as medical bills, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of expected inheritance
Non economic losses such as grief, sorrow, emotional pain, and loss of companionship
Punitive damages in limited cases involving fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct
As of January 1, 2025, Colorado increased the cap for non economic wrongful death damages to 2.125 million dollars for cases filed on or after that date. There is no cap on economic losses. Your wrongful death attorney will calculate all categories of damages available to your family.
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the family’s losses, such as lost income and loss of companionship. A survival action seeks damages the deceased could have claimed, such as medical care incurred before passing. Many cases involve both, and your attorney will advise on strategy.
Under Internal Revenue Code section 104, most compensatory damages for personal injuries or death are not treated as taxable income. Certain components, such as punitive damages or interest, may be taxable. Always review settlement details with your attorney and tax professional.
Timelines vary. Investigation and evidence gathering can take weeks or months. Many claims settle without a trial once liability and damages are clearly presented. Disputed cases may proceed to mediation and sometimes trial, which can extend the timeline. Your wrongful death attorney will set expectations based on the facts of your case.
Potentially responsible parties include negligent drivers, employers, property owners, manufacturers, service providers, or other entities whose conduct contributed to the death. Liability depends on the evidence and may involve multiple parties and insurance policies.
Handling a wrongful death case without counsel risks undervaluing the claim and missing key deadlines. Our attorneys:
Investigate, secure evidence, and retain experts
Analyze all applicable insurance coverage and policy limits
Prove fault and the full scope of damages
Negotiate assertively for a fair settlement
Try the case in court when required
Finalize structured or lump sum payment plans that fit your family’s needs
Case value depends on economic losses, non economic harm, policy limits, and liability strength. Because every case is unique, an accurate valuation requires a detailed review of facts, documentation, and insurance. Our wrongful death attorneys provide a careful assessment during your free consultation.
If you lost a loved one due to negligence, we are here to help. Call (719) 578-1106 to speak with a Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney at Rector Stuzynski Law Firm. Your consultation is free, and there are no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
We know that dealing with an injury can bring up a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear from clients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our team is always here to help.
(719) 578-1106
A wrongful death attorney represents families who have lost a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. The attorney investigates what happened, proves liability, calculates damages, negotiates with insurance companies, and, if needed, presents the case in court to secure compensation for the family.
In Colorado, the spouse has the first right to file during the first year after death. In the second year, children, designated beneficiaries, or parents may file if a claim has not already been brought. Beginning in 2025, siblings may also file in the second year. A wrongful death attorney can confirm eligibility in your specific case.
Families may receive compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and sometimes punitive damages. Colorado law now allows up to 2.125 million dollars in non economic damages for claims filed on or after January 1, 2025.
The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of death. If you do not file within that time, you may lose the right to pursue compensation. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney early helps protect your claim and preserve evidence.
Many wrongful death cases settle outside of court when liability is clear and damages are documented. If the other side disputes fault or refuses to pay fair compensation, the case may proceed to trial. An experienced attorney will prepare for both settlement and trial to protect your family’s interests.
Most wrongful death settlements are not considered taxable income under federal law. However, portions such as punitive damages or interest may be taxable. Your attorney and tax professional can help you understand how your settlement should be reported.
There is no set amount because every case is different. The value depends on factors such as the deceased’s income, medical expenses, funeral costs, emotional losses, and insurance policy limits. A wrongful death attorney will review your case and provide an estimate during a free consultation.
Wrongful death claims are complex, involving legal deadlines, multiple insurance policies, and detailed proof of damages. Without legal representation, families often receive far less than they deserve. An experienced Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney ensures your rights are protected and works to maximize your compensation.
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